Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the 2011-2012 academic year, presents its Fall Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2011, in a performance that takes place at Fairfield University's Gonzaga Auditorium. Special guest is the acclaimed jazz flutist and composer Jamie Baum. Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brian Q. Torff, Fairfield University's Director of Jazz and Popular Music, with student leader Brian Haswell, will present an exciting and varied program. The Fairfield University Gospel Choir directed by TaVon Brown will also perform. Tickets are $5.

"It was twenty years ago that Dr. Orin Grossman of Fairfield University asked me to start a jazz ensemble at the school," said Brian Q. Torff, renowned bassist and composer who continues to lead the ensemble. "It has grown into a group that has played all styles of American music and had a host of jazz star guest artists perform with the students."

Flutist-composer Jamie Baum's inventive, finely crafted compositions and commanding and atypical approach to the flute as a lead instrument has impressed audiences, musicians and critics alike. Originally from Fairfield, CT, she has been living in New York for seventeen years working as a leader or sidewomen with a wide range of consummate musicians in a wide range of styles.

"It has been very gratifying to direct this ensemble and watch it grow," said Mr. Torff, who also founded the Fairfield University Summer Jazz Workshop. "We perform original student works and arrangements along with styles that encompass the vast diversity that exists in America and the music it creates."

The Jazz Ensemble's program for the evening includes the following works: "5400 North" by Roy Eldridge, "Impressions" by John Coltrane, arranged by Jamie Debicella, "Lollapalooza" by Tim Warren and Eric Donnelly, Fairfield University Graduates who perform as the Alternate Routes, "Soul Storage" by Brian Torff, "I Fall in Love Too Easily" by Styne/Kahn and arranged by Jamie Baum, "SJK" by Milt Jackson, there will also be duet with Brian Torff and Jamie Baum, and "Mr. Kenyatta" by Lee Morgan.

Gonzaga Auditorium is located in Gonzaga Hall on the campus of Fairfield University. Tickets will be available at the door of Gonzaga Auditorium the evening of the performance. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.fairfield.edu/quick